Janelle Monae Quotes

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Janelle Monae

Profession : Musician

Birth : December 1, 1985

I've never viewed myself as 'just' a musician or singer.

Janelle Monae

I'm a storyteller who wants to tell untold, meaningful, universal stories in unforgettable ways. I want to do it all, study it all, and find my place in it.

Janelle Monae

I had a strong visceral reaction to the 'Moonlight' script, partly because I felt I knew all of these characters.

Janelle Monae

My grandmother was the matriarch. If you didn't have a place to stay, if you needed food, if you were just coming out of jail or rehab, you went to her. Watching her in our family and our wider community was what inspired me and still does.

Janelle Monae

I was constantly involved in music and theatre all through middle school and high school.

Janelle Monae

Music is an art form that I love dearly, and it's allowed me to bring so many people together and meet so many people.

Janelle Monae

I've gotten scripts over the years, but I believe it was the stories of 'Moonlight' and 'Hidden Figures' that really touched my heart and aligned with the messages that I felt were extremely important to me.

Janelle Monae

I've been very blessed to have worked with two incredible directors - Barry Jenkins on 'Moonlight' and Ted Melfi on 'Hidden Figures' - and it was a collaborative effort in shaping my characters, Teresa and Mary.

Janelle Monae

I'm about women's empowerment. I'm about agency. I'm about being in control of your narrative and your body.

Janelle Monae

I have worn a tuxedo, but I have never covered up for respectability politics or to shame other women.

Janelle Monae

I spend a lot of time in the future, But to help the future, sometimes you got to go back to the past, and sometimes you got to stay in the present.

Janelle Monae

I wouldn't be as comfortable with who I am if it had not been for Prince. I mean, my label 'Wondaland' would not exist without 'Paisley Park' coming before us.

Janelle Monae

I love men. But evil men? I will not tolerate that. You don't deserve to be in my presence. If you're going to rule this world, I am not going to contribute anymore until you change it.

Janelle Monae

Maybe I'm outdated in thinking this, but because I'm a young black woman and don't see very many being the lead in a film, I have this fear: 'Will I be working?'

Janelle Monae

When I first started in this industry, my goal was to be some best friend. The sidekick. I thought that would be an accomplishment.

Janelle Monae

I will never stop making music.

Janelle Monae

If you walk into a room that's bro'd up, and you're in power, bring more women into the room.

Janelle Monae

I have mentors like Erykah Badu. She's been like a big sister to me.

Janelle Monae